EMDR and Trauma Treatment

What Can EMDR Do For Me?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing -what can it do for me? EMDR offers several benefits for patients dealing with mental health challenges. Let’s look at trauma issues that benefit using EMDR.

Trauma

Clients experiencing trauma may feel “stuck” in the memory. Trauma can keep a person from moving forward in life.

Let’s look at how trauma can manifest on a person’s life.

• Trauma Memories – they can become more and more intense and emotional to deal with.
• Increase in Distress Level – There is an increase in the distress, anxiety, and emotional pain associated over time.
• Unresolved Trauma – can resurface at unexpected times. This can lead to flashbacks or intrusive thoughts.
• Body’s Response – As the client’s body tries to suppress memories, it can lead to physical symptoms. Some might experience chronic pain, fatigue or other stress-related conditions. They can all further impact mental health.
• Coping Mechanisms – When you rely on suppression as a coping tool, it hinders the trauma processing. Healthy processing is essential for healing.
• Triggering Symptoms – Suppressing memories can be triggered by the reminders of the trauma. This can lead to overwhelming feelings of fear, helplessness or horror.

How Can EMDR be an Effective Treatment for Trauma

Accessing Adaptive Information

• EMDR allows patients to recall the traumatic event but also to access new perspectives.
• This helps them to see the event in a more helpful and less distressing way.
• It encourages integration of the trauma into a broader, healthier context.

Reducing Symptoms of PTSD

• EMDR is particularly effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms. They can be flashbacks, intrusive memories, and nightmares.
• Many patients experience significant symptom reduction after a relatively short number of sessions.
• This improves overall functioning and quality of life.

Processing Unconscious Material

• EMDR can access and process memories that the patient might have repressed or forgotten.
• This can help resolve deeply buried trauma.
• Addressing these unprocessed memories reduces their impact on daily life.

Emotional Regulation

• As patients process trauma through EMDR, they develop better emotional regulation skills.
• They learn to manage intense feelings related to the trauma.
• This results in less emotional volatility and improved mental endurance.

Quick and Effective

• Many patients see improvements in a relatively short time frame.
• EMDR can be quicker than traditional talk therapies for trauma.

Holistic Processing

• EMDR integrates cognitive and emotional processing.
• Patients address both the thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma.
• This holistic approach promotes deeper healing.

Non-Invasive Approach

• EMDR is a non-invasive form of therapy.
• There are no medications involved.
• This makes it a suitable option for many patients.

Customizable Treatment

• EMDR is flexible and can be adapted for each patient.
• Therapists tailor the approach based on individual needs.
• This ensures a more personalized therapeutic experience.

Long Term Benefits to EMDR

Reduced Symptoms of PTSD with EMDR

EMDR has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms associated with PTSD. This includes flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive thoughts. This leads to improved emotional well-being.

Improved Relationship Dynamics

As clients heal from trauma, interpersonal relationships can improve. There is decreased emotional dysregulation and an increased capacity for empathy.

Overall Quality of Life

When the root causes of trauma are addressed with EMDR, clients can lead a more fulfilling and balanced life. Clients are able to pursue goals and engage in activities they enjoy.

Skill Development for Future Trauma

EMDR can impart techniques that help clients handle future stressors. This process can make the client more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

What is the Process for Starting EMDR Therapy?

Initial Evaluation

The process typically begins with an initial evaluation. This can take one or two sessions so the counselor understands the client’s history and needs.

Number of Sessions

EMDR typically involves multiple sessions. For many clients there is more than one underlying trauma to process through EMDR.

Session Length

The initial EMDR sessions are typically 75 minutes to begin with, and may continue at that length. The client and counselor will discuss the best time processing time needed.

The client needs time to regulate after the session and evaluate with the counselor. This is a self-check in for the client.

Frequency of Sessions

Sessions are often scheduled weekly to begin. This frequency helps maintain momentum in processing trauma.

Progress Assessment

The counselor will regularly assess progress through the treatment. Adjustments to the treatment plan can be made as needed. This ensures that the process remains effective and supportive.

Schedule Online—easy & secure!

EMDR and Your Mental Health Journey

As a client learns to address and process traumas, there may be other, deeper underlying issues identified.

When a client makes significant progress, ongoing sessions can prevent a relapse. Clients are given support to help prevent the recurrence of old patterns of thinking or behavior.

Clients are able to establish a counseling relationshiop with a trained professional. Your counselor provides a sense of safety and support. this allows you to explore deeper work and emotional awareness.

Healing from trauma is possible and EMDR is an effective treatment for you to consider. We encourage you to give our office a call for a free 15 minute consultation to discuss treatment options.

Clinical references:

A Flash Of Hope – discussion of the effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of trauma

State of the science: Eye Movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy from the Wiley Online Library

Pathways Counseling Services is the top-rated therapy and counseling service in Scottsdale, Arizona, year after year. We can help you change the impact of trauma in your life. Find a happier and healthier life through effective mental health care. Remember, there is help and support available to you. We are here for you. You can reach us by phone at 480-235-1682or send us a message.